Stacyville Native Named Mills County Extension Director

Kevin Pitzen has accepted the position of county director with Mills County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. He began the position Oct. 2.

As county director, Pitzen will provide administrative and programming leadership to Mills County Extension.

Pitzen grew up on a dairy farm in Mitchell County, Iowa (Stacyville). Growing up, he enjoyed showing cattle, sheep, hogs and goats for 4-H and FFA. Pitzen received his bachelor’s degree from Simpson College and has a degree in elementary education with an endorsement in K-12 Special Education. He has taught in the Adair-Casey, Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton, Harlan, and Martindale-St Mary’s School Districts.  In addition, he has coached both wrestling and football.

“We are excited for Kevin to join us in Mills County as a leader of extension and outreach,” said Jamie Thompson, Mills County Extension Council Chair. “Kevin’s passion for 4-H will serve us well as we grow programming and work with our partners to solidify our presence in the community.”

Pitzen and his family reside in Glenwood. His wife, Mandy is the music teacher at Northeast Elementary in Glenwood.  His two children are active members of the Balfour Barnstormers 4-H club and are involved in several sports and activities.

“I am looking forward to working as the Mills County Extension Director,” shared Pitzen. “I am excited to meet new people and to be a part of the great programs that impact our community.”

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service — a network of more than 100 land-grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.